A large number of Communist Party of India (Marxist) workers on Monday took part in a protest at the Mysore Bank Circle against the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill 2010 as part of a State-wide agitation.

CPI (M) District Secretary K.N. Umesh said the Bill is being introduced at a time when there is already a law to prevent slaughter of milch cows and oxen used for ploughing. The Bill will force a farmer to maintain a sick cow and a bullock at a time when he does not get much returns from agriculture,

The protestors said the Bill gives power to select groups to exert pressure on farming activities such as selling, buying and transportation of cows even as it denies communities who rely on beef, thereby violating their fundamental rights.

K. Prakash, a CPI (M) activist, said a group of people stripped and assaulted two persons who were transporting cows near Udupi some time ago. Though police registered a case, there was no subsequent action.